Greece's Prime Minister sent a new stern message to bankers. Kostas
Karamanlis stressed that no one has the right to turn down a joint
campaign to address the crisis. He also called on the bankers to step
up more measures than the ones they have already heralded.

After his meeting with Serbia's Premier Mirko Cvetkovic, Kostas
Karamanlis underlined that participating the liquidity support plan
would not be mandatory, yet no one had the right to recklessly turn
down a joint campaign.

The Prime Minister noted that some lenders had come to realise that
transferring the cost to consumers was not allowed and to start
responding to the call for a fair treatment. He argued, however, that
it was not enough, making it clear that under nor circumstances would
some banks be allowed to have higher interest rates than those in the
EU.

"They all have the duty to manifest social sensitivity," stressed the
Prime Minister, further adding that the government would remain loyal
to that goal.

Touching on the crisis, Karamanlis said that the government's keynote
goal and aspiration had been to support real economy and those who are
in need.

"Acting promptly, we processed the plan that means to cut interest
rates, safeguard liquidity and support financial activities in Greece,"
said Karamanlis. "Our plan does not burden the state budget, nor does
it gives money to banks," reiterated he.

He finally claimed that, appointed by the state, the monitoring council
would make sure the money of the plan were well spent. Chaired by the
Finance Minister, the council will hold a session on a monthly basis.
The Governor of the Bank of Greece will also participate in the
council.

PASOK (Panhellenic Social Movement) President George Papandreou has
asked from the presidents of the National Bank of Greece, Eurobank,
Piraeus and Marfin to re-finance loans through the extension of the
payoff deadline, the freezing of debts until 2009 for specific social
groups, the abolishing of improper terms of banks on dealing with high
interests rates citizens pay on consuming loans and credit cards.
Meanwhile, Marfin President Andreas Vgenopoulos has announced that
Marfin Bank will not be included in the 280billion euro government
plan.

Mr Vgenopoulos stressed that Mr Papandreou called him to listen to his
views in this crucial period, pointing out that no discussion was made
on the withdrawal of the lawsuit launched against Mr Papandreou.

As per PASOK spokesman George Papakonstantinou, the Bankers have
responded positively to Mr Papandreou's proposals.He also stressed that
liquidity should pass to the average family and enterprises so that the
Greek economy is protected.

The European Investment Bank (EIB) will provide â¬ 30 billion loans to
small-medium sized businesses around Europe in the following 3 years.
On reference to our country, finance minister Mr. Alogoskoufis said
that the government's initiatives for the tackling of the international
financial crisis are already effective as Greek banks are taking
measures of relief for financial weaker citizens.

Minister of Finance referred analytically to the measures taken by the
government and made special reference on the liquidity backing
programme for Greek economy through bank support, stressing that alert
is necessary as there is still uncertainty in Greek economy despite the
fact that our economy has shown resilience to the crisis. On reference
to the actions of EIB in our country, Mr. Alogoskoufis stressed that co
operation with commercial banks in Greece is of major importance.
According to finance minister, four banks are interested in co
operating with the European Investment Bank. In that way, small-middle
sized companies secure the possibility of financing with beneficiary
terms and low interests.

The Prime Minister's decision to have deputy Petros Tatoulis kicked out
of the ruling party's Parliamentary Group still runs high on the
political agenda. Government officials stressed that the party's work
would go on unhindered with 151 seats. Late on Monday, independent MP
Petros Tatoulis blasted anew the Prime Minister in the text he posted
on his blog. "It was a matter of dignity. Mr Tatoulis crossed the
line," secretary of the ruling party's central committee Lefteris
Zagoritis told NET state-run television, further adding that he was
expecting him to quit his seat.

Tatoulis' interview with Ethnos paper, whereby he lambasted Prime
Minster Kostas Karamanlis was the final straw that led to his being
kicked out.

Government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros dismissed the expressions used
by Tatoulis as acute and extreme, while other top-ranking Conservative
cadres noted that his interview just confirmed that he had lost his
touch with the party.

"With his action, the Prime Minister became an accomplice. An
accomplice to corruption. An accomplice to inability. An accomplice to
inefficiency. With his action, the Prime Minister took a stand. Between
truth and lie, he opted for corruption instead of transparency," read
the text Tatoulis posted on his personal website.